Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Information for Patients

If you or someone you care for has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), this Web site may help you learn more about the illness. It has been designed to provide basic information on the disease and how to slow its progression. In addition, we have included a number of other web sites and resources with more detailed information and guidance in managing COPD.

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
What causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
What is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation?

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease in which airflow through the lung's bronchial tubes is partially blocked. This blockage makes it hard to breath. Breathing can worsen to the point where it interferes with daily activities such as walking, dressing and eating.

In severe cases it can be life threatening. Heart damage is possible if the lungs are severely damaged. A person with COPD may die if the lungs and heart are no longer able to carry oxygen to the body's organs and tissues, or when a complication occurs (such as a severe infection).

COPD consists of two types of lung disease: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Emphysema is when the lung's tissue and the air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the lung's airways are damaged. This damage causes air to become trapped inside the lungs, causing the individual to experience shortness of breath and fatigue.

Chronic Bronchitis is when the lung's bronchial tubes become narrow due to inflammation. This narrowing makes breathing difficult. A person with chronic bronchitis will often have a persistent cough that brings up sputum. Long-term, persistent inflammation and sputum production damages the lungs.

COPD is a progressive disease that worsens slowly over a number of years (anywhere from 10 to 30 years). It is a silent disease, and it may be several years before you notice its symptoms. COPD is usually diagnosed in adults 60 years of age and older.

By the year 2020, COPD is predicted to be the fifth leading cause of disability and the third leading cause of death worldwide.

What Causes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Cigarette smoking: preventing and quitting smoking are important strategies to prevent COPD. Approximately 95% of people who have been diagnosed with COPD have a history of smoking. Not all smokers develop COPD, but it is the number one risk factor. The more cigarettes you smoke each day, and the more years you are a smoker, the greater your chances of developing COPD. In general, COPD is a preventable disease. For information on how to stop smoking, see Stop Smoking under General Resources.

Pollutants: Some occupations can expose your lungs to irritants such as industrial dust and chemical fumes. You can reduce the risk of developing COPD by wearing appropriate safety breathing equipment.

Repeated and severe lung infections: Frequent occurrences of respiratory infections, especially during childhood.

Low birth weight: People with a low birth weight are more likely to have smaller lungs (and thus reduced lung function) than people with normal birth weight.

Genetic factors: Alpha₁-antitrypsin is a protein produced by the body that protects the lungs from damage. Some people produce lower levels of this protein, which puts them at greater risk for developing COPD. These patients may benefit from supplementing treatment with Alpha₁-antitrypsin.

What is a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation?

A COPD exacerbation is defined as a new worsening in shortness of breath or cough that lasts for at least two days. This happens when airflow to the lungs is reduced due to increased sputum production or narrowing of the lung's airways. Exacerbations can be life threatening and require hospitalization.

The symptoms of a COPD exacerbation are:

• Increased shortness of breath and wheezing
• A deep cough with or without sputum
• A change in the color of sputum to green, yellow or rust

• Lung infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Exposure to smoke, temperature changes or chemicals
• Allergic reactions
• Accidental inhalation of food or stomach contents into the lungs
• Heart failure